HOUSTON — Music therapy is being used to help the tiniest babies in Houston-area hospitals.
Hannah Mata works full-time in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Houston Methodist Willowbrook.
“My job is really to keep the baby calm and their nervous system regulated,” Mata said. “I’ll come by the bedside to sing a lullaby. Their breathing slows down. Heart rate goes down. That tachycardia goes away. They calm down. They stop crying and they go to sleep pretty quickly. It happens right away.”
The songs she picks, the instruments she uses, and her volume are always intentional. Hannah also sings in the mom's native language.
She said research shows babies in music therapy gain more weight. She said she sees evidence that it works in the NICU every day.
“Because I come in when they’re in pain, they’re suffering, I provide music therapy and it goes away so quickly. Seeing the moms calm down and relax and bond with their baby, it’s so rewarding,” Mata said.
Her sweet, soothing songs provide comfort when families need it most.